Belated Ring IV Thoughts

The fourth event held under the Ring Magazine banner titled Ring IV, which was held at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on November 22nd was promoted as a night of champions. It is indeed true that the event featured four world championship fights that produced a variety that just about every type of Boxing fan is bound to have an opinion on. The most dominant performance of the evening in the view of this observer was the one put forth by WBC/WBO Jr. Bantamweight world champion Jesse Rodriguez, who defended his title against WBA number one contender and former IBF Jr. Bantamweight world champion Fernando Martinez.

After an opening round where Martinez seemed to narrowly get the better of the action and was able to land some hard punches particularly with his right hand, Rodriguez simply went to work. From the second round on, the champion put forth what can only be described as a “Masterclass" in displaying a full arsenal of Boxing skills. A display of lateral movement, defense, counter punching, and hand speed that Rodriguez frankly made his opponent, a world-class top contender and former world champion look outclassed to the point where what was going on in the ring looked more like a sparring session where a world champion was preparing for a fight rather than a defense ot a unified world championship. Although as high a compliment to Rodriguez skillset and standing in the sport as one of the top fighters currently active in Boxing, the one-sided combat may not have been appreciated for the dominant performance that it was. Perhaps a reason for that is it had the unenviable task of following a fight that will be discussed at the conclusion of this column that frankly stole the show and from an entertainment standpoint seemed to exhaust the crowd in attendance during the overnight hours in Saudi Arabia.

Nevertheless, Rodriguez’ performance was as good an illustration as any why so many, including yours truly regard him as the top fighter in the 115lb. Jr. Bantamweight division. Just as it appeared as though the champion was content to box his way to a wide unanimous decision victory, Rodriguez unleashed a brutal left hook to the jaw that sent Martinez down on his back for the ten count on the canvas in the tenth round. The fight was over. For the champion, his sixteenth knockout in twenty three professional fights also signaled the eighth successful title defense for Rodriguez. Simply put, it was as close to a flawless performance as one could draw up. If there is one criticism one might have it could be that Rodriguez waited a little longer than perhaps he should have to end the fight as it became apparent after six rounds that the contest had been decided and Fernando Martinez, though very “Game” was simply outclassed by a fighter that will likely be a Hall of Famer when all is said and done. 

Perhaps one of the most anticipated fights on the card took place in the 147lb. Welterweight division as undefeated WBO world champion Brian Norman Jr. defended his title against unbeaten former two-division world champion Devin Haney. An encounter that seemed rooted in legitimate bad blood between the fighters and their fathers, who were the respective trainers for their respective offspring. By now, most Boxing fans are familiar with the recent history of Devin Haney, a fighter who is one of the best currently in the entire sport, but one who recently suffered what was thought to be the first loss of his career, only to have his record restored due to his opponent Ryan Garcia testing positive for a banned substance. In his one outing since that controversy, prior to this fight earlier this year in Times Square in New York City, Haney did rebound and resumed his undefeated ways by scoring a twelve round unanimous decision over Juan Carlos Ramirez, but failed in terms of producing the type of crowd pleasing performance that fueled demand for a fight like this. Despite that fact, on this night Haney produced a career best performance.

After an uneventful opening round where neither fighter did much, to the surprise of many, Haney responded in the second round dropping the champion with a short, but crisp left hook, right hand combination to the jaw. Although Norman was able to get up from the knockdown, it was from that point in the fight that Haney seized full control of the combat, showcasing hand speed, lateral movement, and showing a willingness to stand in the pocket rather than solely relying on his legs to evade Norman. By doing this, Haney consistently beat Norman to the punch, seemed to stun him periodically, and simply got the better of most of the exchanges on the way to winning a convincing twelve round unanimous decision and with the victory, successfully becoming a world champion in a third weight division. A dominant performance that should also be viewed as a redemption of sorts for Haney after what he went through against Garcia, though he cannot and should not be blamed for the circumstances that followed that fight, which led to the restoration of his undefeated record. Whether Haney has a goal of eventually meeting Garcia again remains to be seen.

The official main event of Ring IV was a World Light-Heavyweight championship bout that saw undefeated two-division world champion David Benavidez defend his WBC crown against longtime top contender Anthony Yarde, who was making his third attempt at a world title. While frankly this had all the appearance of a fight designed to be a showcase for Benavidez, there were periods throughout this fight that were competitive. This was primarily due to Yarde attempting to limit the champion's ability to throw his punches in volume. David Benavidez has always had exceptionally quick hands for a fighter that stands 6’2 and has competed as a 168lb. Super-Middleweight and now as a 175lb. Light-Heavyweight and it is one aspect of his offense that truly makes him dangerous and a fighter fitting of his nickname “The Monster” because often, opponents are not used to facing and thus are unprepared for a fighter with such attributes in addition to the constant pressure Benavidez applies.

This was really no different in terms of the champion's approach, but what was a wrinkle to that attack at least for a period of time was Yarde attempted to punch with Benavidez rather than being strictly on defense and for a time did have some success in at least limiting Benavidez from being unable to unleash rapid fire bursts of combinations. Yarde was also able to periodically counter the champion. As has often happened in his fights, however, Benavidez was able to gradually increase his pace as the bout progressed and the challenger, though very “Game” found himself in a similar predicament as many previous Benavidez opponents, gradually succumbing to the pressure as the volume of punches increased and ultimately being dropped and stopped in the seventh round. 

What was a bit of a surprise came after the fight when Benavidez revealed his intention to move up in weight to challenge current WBO Cruiserweight world champion Gilberto Ramirez, possibly during Cinco De Mayo weekend in 2026. Obviously, if that fight does indeed happen, it would be one of the biggest bouts that could be made as the two have sizable fan followings and are similar in style. It also will shine a light on the Cruiserweight division that has seemingly always struggled for consistent exposure and marquee attractions that generate significant interest.

While David Benavidez had the honor of headlining this card as the official main event,  it would be a battle for the vacant WBO World Lightweight championship that would steal the show and frankly albeit unexpectedly became a Fight of the Year candidate. This observer is referring to the battle between undefeated top contenders Abdullah Mason and Sam Noakes.

Despite this being the third fight on the card where two unbeaten fighters were pitted against each other, it was expected by many that this would serve as a coronation of sorts for Mason in making a transition from highly touted prospect, turned contender, to a world champion. This perception was rooted in the fact that Mason is promoted by the Hall of Famer Bob Arum's Top Rank Inc., who until this past July had a long-term broadcast deal with United States sports cable, now streaming network ESPN, and thus from the very start of Mason's professional career, he was one of the fighters in Top Rank's stable that was able to benefit from such exposure. 

While not necessarily being given a similar platform at least until his promoter the Hall of Famer Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions signed a global broadcast deal with digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN, which finally enabled the UK-based Warren to have a steady broadcast platform here in the United States as well as globally, Noakes did bring a similar record into the fight as Mason in addition to being a former British, Commonwealth, and European Lightweight champion. It did not take long for Noakes to show that this would not be a mere showcase for Mason.

From the opening bell Noakes forced the fight on Mason, forcing the combat to be fought in close. Despite suffering a deep gash in three as a result of an accidental clash of heads, Noakes consistent aggression and forcing a fight on the inside seemed to carry the ebb and flow for a significant portion of this fight. 

Although this would be a different type of fight than had been the norm for him up to this point in his career, which had been highlighted by hand speed and dominant performances, this fight would serve as not only a test for Mason, but also one where he showed a willingness to fight fire with fire as he was more than willing to stand and trade with Noakes. Despite being forced to fight in a manner he had not been before, Mason responded to the test. Whenever Noakes would land something significant, particularly to the body, Mason would often respond almost immediately and this was also what would happen when the roles were reversed with Mason landing first and Noakes responding as quickly as he could.

This resulted in several rounds being closely fought, but where yours truly felt that Noakes seemed to be edging many of the rounds as I had him up five rounds to two through round seven. Despite the view of this observer, which was based largely on the fact that Noakes forced the fight to be fought on his terms, I did sense that it was likely a closer contest than a 5-2 score would give an impression through seven rounds. As I have often said over the many years I have covered the sport of Boxing, when it comes to close fights, it will often come down to what a judge prefers in their own criteria based on the criteria in which Boxing is scored, clean punching, effective aggressiveness, ring generalship, and defense. What often also plays a role in the aforementioned criteria is one's perception. In this case, speaking only for myself, the perception I had was this was a close fight round by round, but after seven of the scheduled twelve rounds, I felt Noakes was doing enough to edge many of those rounds, based not only on aggression, but how he often brought the fight to Mason.

As the second half of this fight progressed, however, the pace understandably slowed, but the contest also began to narrow in my view with Mason taking control and landing hard body shots, which had Noakes hurt periodically, which was a bit of a reversal as earlier in the fight when he focused his own attack to Mason’s body, Noakes seemed to get the better of the action. As it was during those exchanges where Noakes seemed to have an advantage and had Mason hurt periodically, with the roles reversed, Noakes was able to respond as Mason did and the two fighters ultimately ended up splitting the final rounds on my scorecard resulting in an even score of six rounds to six or 114-114 in points. 

After a tooth and nail battle that also seemed to exhaust the crowd in attendance in the overnight hours in Saudi Arabia, it would be Mason who would emerge victorious via a twelve round unanimous decision with one judge having him up nine rounds to three or 117-111 in points while the other two remaining judges having scores that appeared more accurate based on the action that occurred of seven rounds to five or 115-113 in points. Although I felt the fight was a draw, I can easily see a seven rounds to five margin in favor of either fighter. Simply put, it was that kind of fight and though Mason won it unanimously, it was close and competitive from start to finish. 

Close and competitive to the degree that my immediate reaction that I shared on X (Formerly Twitter) along with my analysis of not only this fight, but of the entire card as I observed it in real time was “Rematch in 2026…” Not only did it prove to be a sleeper candidate for Fight of the Year honors, but it was the fight of the late night on this card to such a degree that not only did every fight that followed it have a tough act to follow, but it seemed to take the energy of the crowd along with it. While the latter element could be attributable to the fact that this card was held in the overnight hours in Saudi Arabia, which meant an early or late afternoon start time depending on where you live here in the United States, it is a fight definitely deserving of an encore and the promoters attached to this event as well as the broadcaster of it DAZN are likely smart enough to recognize that and so too should the WBO, whose World Lightweight title was on the line and is now subsequently held by Mason. 

With one more card under the Ring Magazine banner to be held in Riyadh remaining for this year, which will be on December 27th while most of the world is observing the Christmas/end of year holidays, it is obviously too soon to think rematch by present day standards and both Mason and Noakes will likely need some time to recuperate from an exhausting battle they fought. It would seem logical, however, that a rematch would likely be a shoe-in for a future Ring Magazine card presumably either Ring VI or Ring VII depending on when those events are scheduled and how quickly the two fighters want to meet again. It would also seem logical that a rematch deserves to be a main event of such a card. The fight that would have led to a potential rematch did steal the show after all.

“And That's The Boxing Truth.”

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Mini Preview: Ring IV

On Saturday, November 22nd, the Boxing world will set its sights on Riyadh, Saudi Arabia where a card held under the Ring Magazine banner called Ring IV will take place and can be seen worldwide on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN  either as a standalone pay-per-view offering or included in the recently launched DAZN Ultimate subscription plan. The card will feature four world title bouts and in a bit of a departure from how pre-fight content is usually penned by yours truly here on The Boxing Truth®️, given the depth of the card, this will be a micro preview of sorts with a brief look at each world title bout, all four fights will be scheduled for twelve rounds.

Main Event: WBC World Light-Heavyweight championship David Benavidez defending against Anthony Yarde

The top of the bill will see unbeaten two-division world champion David Benavidez defending his Light-Heavyweight world title against multi-time world title challenger Anthony Yarde. This will mark Benavidez’ first defense of the WBC world championship in the 175lb. Light-Heavyweight division following previous undisputed world champion Dmitry Bivol vacated the title earlier this year due to recovering from injuries following two fights with former champion Artur Beterbiev, whom he traded wins of the undisputed championship.

In his last fight, Benavidez overcame a knockdown in the eleventh round to score a convincing twelve round unanimous decision over top contender David Morrell in February of this year. This was a brief moment of vulnerability for Benavidez in that he has consistently dominated most of his previous opponents. While he did mostly defeat Morrell clearly, that brief knockdown may have given some an impression that he can be caught, especially in the latter stages of a fight.

In Anthony Yarde, Benavidez will face an opponent that has had two previous attempts at a world title. With a record of 27-3, with 24 Knockouts, Yarde does have an 88% career knockout percentage to the champion's 30-0, with 24 Knockouts with an 80% career knockout percentage. 

What these statistics indicate is the better than average possibility that this fight will not go the distance. A potential red flag for the challenger is that he has been stopped in his two previous world title challenges and the question going into this fight will be whether he can withstand the volume punching and pressure of Benavidez, particularly since those two stoppage losses. 

WBO World Welterweight championship Brian Norman Jr. defends his world title against unbeaten former two-division world champion Devin Haney

Undefeated Brian Norman Jr. will be making the third defense of his WBO world title against the undefeated Devin Haney, who will be attempting to win a world title in a third weight class after previously being an undisputed world champion in the 135lb. Lightweight division and a world champion in the 140lb. Jr. Welterweight division.Norman, who became a world champion by being elevated from being a mandatory challenger to world champion following former Undisputed Welterweight world champion Terence Crawford vacating all his championships and moving out of the Welterweight division. Since that time the champion, who will enter this title defense with a record of 28-0, with 22 Knockouts, will also enter on a three fight knockout streak.

Although Norman has shown in recent fights, the type of fight ending punching power that turns heads and generates buzz, most would concede that this is the most significant test of his career thus far in the former two-division world champion Devin Haney. Haney, who will enter with a record of 32-0, with 15 Knockouts is known as a well-balanced, elusive boxer/puncher that can do a little of everything. Haney, however, despite his aforementioned accomplishments, is on a bit of a redemption tour following his fight with Ryan Garcia in April 2023. In that fight, Haney was dominated and knocked down multiple times before initially losing a twelve round unanimous decision. The discrepancy that led to Haney’s unbeaten record being restored to unbeaten came when Garcia tested positive for a banned substance following the fight resulting in his suspension and the outcome being changed to a no contest. In his last outing, Haney scored a dreadful twelve round unanimous decision over Juan Carlos Ramirez in Times Square in New York City in May this year. 

While Haney did what he had to do  in that fight, a question here will be whether or not a priority for Haney will be to try and be more entertaining for both fans and the promoter of this card Turki Al-Sheikh, chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, and owner of Ring Magazine, which this card is being promoted under. It can be difficult to balance doing what you need to do to succeed and being a type of entertaining fighter that not only draws the eyes of fans to your fights, but also encourages promoters like Turki Al-Sheikh to continue to invest in you as a fighter. 

Although the result of the fight against Garcia was expunged from his record and his unbeaten status restored, what happened in that fight, particularly Garcia’s approach and how Haney responded to both consistent pressure and power shots Garcia was able to land with success will likely play into Norman’s strategy as this fight approaches. The main objective for the champion will be to apply pressure on Haney from the outset and try to cut the ring off from him to minimize his movement and get in on the inside where he could do damage. It goes without saying that against a fighter of Haney’s  skillset, elusiveness, hand speed, and counter punching ability, it is a task that can be easier said than done, but Norman must be cautious and tactical in his approach at all times. If he allows Haney to find a consistent rhythm for any significant period, the fight could get away from him in terms of points quickly.

Vacant WBO World Lightweight championship Abdullah Mason faces Sam Noakes

In the second of three undefeated versus undefeated encounters on this card, the number one and number two contenders in the World Boxing Organization’s Lightweight ratings. Abdullah Mason and Sam Noakes will meet for the vacant WBO World Lightweight championship previously held by Keyshawn Davis.

While both are unbeaten and both have career knockout percentages of nearly 90%, the perception of at least some is that this will be a showcase and a coronation for Mason. The basis of this perception is Mason, who will enter with a record of 19-0, with 17 Knockouts,has had a quick rise up the ladder and arguably has done so with the benefit of the spotlight of ESPN as a platform that his promoter, the Hall of Famer Bob Arum’s Top Rank Inc. recently concluded an eight year broadcast pact. While his promoter continues to look for a new platform for the future, this fight obviously represents the opportunity for Mason to go from fast rising prospect turned contender to world champion.

Despite the perception many have going into this fight, Sam Noakes does have a similar resume as Mason. Noakes, who will enter this encounter with a record of 17-0, with 15 Knockouts, is a former British, Commonwealth, and comes into this fight as the current European Lightweight champion. 

Although much of the focus going into this bout is focused on Mason, the credentials alone along with the similar resume in comparison that Noakes brings with him to a fight of this magnitude should indicate to any objective observer, at least on paper, before a single punch is thrown between these two fighters, this seems to be a much more even fight than the perceptions of some would suggest. Given the similarity between the two in being able to score quick knockouts, what interests this observer will be who will take the initiative early on and try to press the issue and what will also be interesting here will be if one or both fighters will be forced to adjust their approach as the fight progresses. While much like the main event, the career knockout percentages of these two fighters would suggest a better than average possibility that this does not go the distance, both fighters are likely aware of what the other can do and as such, there may be a healthy respect between the two that could result in a tactical albeit hesitant approach for both at least early in the fight. When you have two “Knockout Artists” facing each other, it goes without saying truly anything can happen and one should not look away during this fight.

WBC/WBO World Jr. Bantamweight world championship Jesse Rodriguez defends his unified crown against WBA number one contender Fernando Martinez 

Rounding out the undefeated versus undefeated bouts on this card Jesse Rodriguez will make the eighth defense of his crown against current WBA number one contender and former IBF World Jr. Bantamweight world champion Fernando Martinez. While this represents another chapter in the career of Jesse Rodriguez as one of the sport’s rising stars, particularly being a fighter that can shine a spotlight on some of the lightest weight classes here in the United States, anyone who is knowledgeable of the lightest divisions Boxing has to offer, knows that the competition level is consistently high and there is no shortage of world-class opposition.

This is a case where Rodriguez, who will enter this title defense with a record of 22-0, with 15 Knockouts, will have more experience than his challenger Fernando Martinez, who comes in with a record of 18-0, with 9 Knockouts. While Martinez briefly held the IBF world title in this division, he currently holds an Interim/Regular championship designation in the WBA Jr. Bantamweight ratings. What this will likely be at least on paper is an encounter between two boxer/punchers where the perception is likely that the champion has an advantage when it comes to punching power. It will be up to the Argentine Martinez to show that this will not merely be regarded as a chapter in the story of a potential future Hall of Fame career of Rodriguez. How the challenger can accomplish that remains to be seen, but seeing as Rodriguez is coming off two straight knockout wins, the approach could be to try and dictate the tempo of combat where the intent is to try and keep the champion from finding a consistent rhythm. Rodriguez has quick hands and tends to throw punches in combination so it is a difficult task for Martinez to attempt to tackle, but Martinez has shown previously to be a very capable boxer, so it is a task he is likely looking forward to. 

Ultimately, Ring IV like the previous three events held under the Ring Magazine banner and the upcoming Ring V event in December offers a little of everything for just about any Boxing fan. What fight or fights end up standing out when all is said and done remains to be seen. 

“And That's The Boxing Truth.”

Ring IV takes place on Saturday, November 22nd at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The entire card can be seen globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN as either a standalone pay-per-view offering for $59.99 or included with the recently introduced DAZN Ultimate subscription plan for $44.99 per month or $449 per year. The card will begin at 3PM ET/12PM PT.(*North American Prices and Start Times Only*) 

(*Card and Start Times Subject To Change.*)

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, availability around the world, local start times and pricing in your area, to order this event or to learn about the DAZN Ultimate subscription plan please visit: www.DAZN.com. 

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Benn Shocks Eubank Jr. In Chapter 4 Of Bloodline Rivalry, Should There Be A Third Fight Between The Sons Of Legendary Rivals?

The second encounter between former two-division world champion Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn on November 15th, the fourth chapter of a generational rivalry between legendary bloodlines, one filled with bad blood, came just seven months after the first bout between the sons of Chris Eubank Sr. and Nigel Benn, which took place in April of this year at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England. A fight that was a candidate for fight of the year that was won by Eubank Jr. after twelve grueling rounds in a unanimous decision. What made this rematch unique in a sense was that it was rare to see such a quick turnaround of only seven months, which is rare when one thinks of high-profile fights where the result of the original encounter was not controversial. Nevertheless, for a fight that was largely based on curiosity in Benn, a career Welterweight, essentially moving up two divisions to fight Eubank Jr., a fighter who has held world titles in both the Middleweight and Super-Middleweight divisions, which more than exceeded all expectations, a return bout was logical even if the timing seemed unusual by present era standards. 

The onus for the rematch was whether Benn could find an answer to defeat the naturally bigger Eubank. What was also of interest here was whether or not this fight, like its predecessor, would be one where the emotions and bad blood, largely rooted in the rivalry that began with their fathers thirty-five years ago, would influence how they fought. In that would this be a repeat of two fighters being willing to stand and trade shots with the combat being fought at a high pace?

Conventional wisdom suggested that Eubank, the winner of the first encounter, who struggled through severe fatigue to score a twelve round unanimous decision, who is more of a natural boxer, would attempt to be more elusive the second time around. To the shock of over 65,000 spectators returning to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the rematch, it was Benn that showcased a strategic approach no one from fan to grizzled scribes and experts such as this observer expected. 

From the opening bell, Benn applied pressure on Eubank, which was to be expected, as Eubank is an elusive boxer that utilizes lateral movement. While expected that Benn would look to cut the ring off from Eubank, what was unexpected was the non-aggressive, tactical approach in which Benn executed his fight plan, which differed significantly from the first fight that was fought almost strictly on emotions based on the bad blood between the two and their fathers.

Round after round, behind a consistent jab, strategically placed body punches, and consistent tactical pressure, Benn put round after round in the bank. As this was occurring one aspect also became evident, Eubank hesitated to let his hands go with any kind of consistency. Whether it was the fact that the first fight seemed to take something out of him, the quick turnaround between fights one and two, or the possibility of being both overtrained coupled with age as a thirty-six year old former two-division world champion possibly getting old in fighting years in the span of two fights, he simply could not pull the trigger and it quickly became a scenario that it was Benn's fight to lose. In that if Eubank was going to come drum behind and win the rematch, as he had done in fight one, despite significant fatigue and looking at various points like he was on the verge of being stopped, mainly by exhaustion, it would likely only come by Benn getting caught by a punch he did not see coming and knocked out suddenly. 

Although Chris Eubank Jr. had twenty-five knockouts in his thirty-five career wins, he has never been known for punching power. While one can never and should never dismiss the possibility of a fighter landing something dramatic as all it takes is one punch, regardless of style and traits, on this night, it was not to be for Eubank. Despite having some success when he was able to let his hands go, Eubank was unable to find a rhythm and Benn continued dominating with a stellar, disciplined Boxing performance. A career best performance that was nearly capped off with a knockout in the twelfth and final round as Benn dropped Eubank hard with a right hand then knocked him down a second time with a barrage of punches. Despite being very badly staggered after the second knockdown, Eubank managed to make it to the final bell, this time finding himself on the losing end of a twelve round unanimous decision.  A dominant victory virtual shutout for Benn and the first win for the Benn family in this generational rivalry following a win for Eubank Sr, followed by a draw in the two fights between he and Nigel Benn in the 1990's, and now the two sons Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn splitting two fights between them.

While Conor Benn dismissed talk of a third fight, a potential fifth chapter in the rivalry as he suggested his desire is to move back down in weight to either the 154lb. Jr. Middleweight or 147lb. Welterweight divisions, down from the 160lb. Middleweight division where these two fights have been fought during 2025, and Eubank eluding to the possibility of dealing with issues outside of the ring when the two fighters gave post-fight interviews immediately following the rematch, this observer believes it will ultimately come down to whether the public, particularly in the United Kingdom, has significant interest in a third fight. The second encounter between the two sons was frankly a one-sided affair that on its own probably would not wet an appetite for a return bout.

 With the fight having taken place within the context of a long-standing rivalry, however, along with the fact that both encounters between the two sons have drawn over 60,000 spectators each time to the same stadium, a third fight will likely be discussed, despite Benn looking for a world title shot at a lower division, which he has yet to earn at this point in his career and Eubank Jr. looking to deal with personal issues outside the ring. If nothing else, it makes sense from both a financial and business standpoint for the fighters, the promoters, and the network, the global digital subscription-based sports streaming network DAZN, who have recently introduced an ultimate subscription plan to include events such as this, would be pay-per-view offerings as part of that subscription, as this rematch was, and are looking to entice both current and non-subscribers alike to either upgrade an existing subscription or subscribe as a new or returning customer. Whether or not we see a chapter five in the family rivalry remains to be seen, but based on what happened in fight two, chapter four between the sons of legends, it may not be a wise idea for a quick turnaround between fights two and three. Even if it may be all too tempting and logical to cash in on the rivalry continuing. 

“And That's The Boxing Truth.”

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Will DAZN's New "Ultimate" Approach Win Over Both Current And Former Subscribers Tired Of Paying Pay-Per-View Prices?

Credit: DAZN

The most consistent topic of Boxing coverage penned by yours truly over the last several years, particularly here on The 

Boxing Truth® ️ has been on the sport’s reliance, despite consistent evidence of decline, on the pay-per-view model and the subsequent need to move away from said model, especially with the rise of digital subscription-based streaming. Without doing a complete refresher as by this point there have been many columns written by this observer that serve as an accurate chronicle of how we have gotten to the present time and topic. What is the topic of this writing the reader might ask? the revamp of sorts for digital subscription-based streaming network DAZN.

As some may recall the network, which launched in 2016 internationally, made a significant expansion into the United States in 2018, which coincided with what turned out to be a significant shift not just in Boxing, but for sports overall as shortly before DAZN entered the United States, ESPN, a major presence in the country as a sports network across cable and satellite television, launched its first attempt at a direct to consumer streaming network ESPN+, (Now ESPN Unlimited) while before the end of 2018, the former network of champions HBO, the one time power broker in Boxing and a major player in pay-per-view, exited the sport after forty-five years.

Upon its entry into the U.S. market and essentially positioning itself as the network that would assume the position that HBO was vacating in the sport, DAZN made a bold claim that it would end the pay-per-view model by going with a strictly subscription-based approach that was more consumer-friendly than the aforementioned model. A strategy that this observer was openly supportive of. Not because I had any vested interest in DAZN, but as one who has covered Boxing and other combat sports dating back to the mid-1990’s and had been familiar with pay-per-view as a child, I saw a model that went from occasional use for legitimate major events in the sport that were at an affordable price point, gradually devolve into a model that was over used and frankly abused and lost its value where you would routinely see pay-per-view offerings only showing a fraction of a full card being priced at upwards of between $60-$80 or even higher for some events. The fact that some promoters would simply say “Well, those are the price points in the U.S.” was the type of example that led to the problem the sport is still dealing with in 2025 as more networks have left the sport, due largely to the insistence of some promoters and even fighters of the use of pay-per-view.

It was on that basis, however, where DAZN not only stood against an outdated model that no longer served a positive for the sport, or consumers, making Boxing as well as other sports it carries on its platform more accessible, and the fact that every fight on a card would be shown rather than three or four out of a full card of for example, eight to ten bouts, I felt was refreshing and thus was vocal in my support of a subscription-based model, which I still stand by. As most know, despite its pledge to offer “Pay-Per-View quality Boxing without the pain of Pay-Per-View!,” the network ultimately went back on that promise and while they insisted their dipping their toes into pay-per-view would be occasional and on a selective basis, which appeared understandable in the aftermath of the global COVID-19 epidemic, which had severe financial implications for many sports and sports networks both traditional and streaming worldwide including DAZN, it seemed also to be used as a means of bringing fighters and promoters insistent on pay-per-view to the negotiating table, even as the model has continued to decline as it was prior to the impacts of COVID-19.

The decision to even dip their toes into the model on an occasional basis has resulted in DAZN walking a tightrope. In that they still have their subscription model, but risk alienating subscribers by taking fights that would/should be included with the subscription and putting it behind a pay-per-view paywall. Adding further insult to that, doing so often at the same inflated price points that turns off many fans and led to the exits of HBO, Showtime, Fox Sports, and most recently, ESPN from Boxing.

It should also not be overlooked that in an attempt to try and counter the obvious decline of pay-per-view, DAZN attempted to sell two pay-per-view cards on back to back days as part of a bundle price in May of this year with the first Boxing card to be held in Times Square in New York City, followed by a card headlined by an Undisputed Super-Middleweight world championship bout between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and William Scull in Saudi Arabia. While yours truly does not have access to official numbers, it did interest me as to whether subscribers or non-subscribers bit on the bundle offer at $89.99 (Not including tax) for both events versus how those cards did as individual offerings at $59.99 each. 

Word then began circulating over the summer that a new subscription approach would be introduced seemingly at the behest of H.E. Turki Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the Saudi Entertainment Authority who proclaimed that his promoted events under either the Riyadh Season or Ring Magazine banners (A publication which he now also owns) would no longer be offered as pay-per-view, but would be included with a DAZN subscription stating that pay-per-view has hurt the sport and that he stands with the Boxing fans. 

Although I was vocal in saying on social media that common sense had returned to the equation upon hearing such a statement that was subsequently backed up by the network, I was not vocal in the sense of thinking that this would be a complete revert back to DAZN’s original strategy, but likely an approach that would ultimately serve as a way to phase out pay-per-view over time while still offering it for those who prefer it. While Al-Sheikh stated that he intended this new subscription approach to begin with his upcoming Ring IV event in Saudi Arabia on November 22, there was some backlash as it was revealed that both that event and tomorrow's (At the time of this writing) Eubank Jr.-Benn rematch would be available as standalone pay-per-view offerings at $59.99 each or $119.98 combined. This changed slightly, however, with the announcement on November 7th by DAZN with the introduction of DAZN Ultimate. An upgraded Tier subscription that would include not only those two events, but a claimed 12+ pay-per-view events per year. 

The cost for this new subscription (United States and Canada) is $44.99 a month or $449.99 per year on an annual subscription. Full disclosure with the reader, even though I have covered the sport of Boxing for thirty years as of this writing, I do not receive payment or compensation in any form from any promoter or network whose events I regularly cover. Upon hearing this new subscription had launched, I immediately upgraded my existing subscription as a means of limiting my own expenses as, despite what some might believe those of us in media often pay the same price as the average consumer for things like pay-per-view or subscriptions and only so many journalists covering the sport have the opportunity to travel for multiple events that occur during a calendar year, which for yours truly due to physical limitations, is also difficult as I am disabled. With my disclosure in all truth and honesty with the reader having been stated clearly, I will move forward. 

Despite the backlash this announcement received particularly online and from some fellow members of the media, I chose to sit back for a few days and for lack of a better term, feel the room, or in this case, the temperature of those of us in the industry and the fan before I commented further. What I feel needs to be stated clearly, which was not done in my view by the network, is this new “Ultimate Plan” or tier for existing subscribers is an upgrade of an existing subscription rather than paying for two separate subscriptions under one banner, similar in scope to what Prime Video subscribers have the option of doing by potentially subscribing to multiple streaming networks and sports packages like NBA League 

Pass for example under one banner and access it in one app. This rather seems more in line with some streaming subscriptions that offer a less costly plan with adverts or a higher priced option for an ad-free experience or similar to Netflix that offers plans including ads, ad-free, and ad-free with 4K streaming capabilities and multiple streams for different members of a household. While this “Ultimate Plan” gives me a similar impression, there are a few questions that need to be answered here, which while I cannot answer outright, I will try to provide some clarity beyond what I already have in terms of distinguishing what is an upgraded subscription for existing subscribers or a potential option for non-subscribers from a situation where you have a subscription plus an add-on. 

The first among those questions is a guarantee of 12+ pay-per-view events per year? When I first saw that statement, the cynic in me as a born and bred New Yorker began to go off in my mind with the first thought being “Are there really 12 Boxing events per calendar year that are truly major events?” Despite that thought, I immediately thought of other content, which DAZN has also offered on pay-per-view through its platform that will likely be used to fill that schedule including Glory Kickboxing events, select events from the sport of MMA, and select events from the Bareknuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) Bareknuckle Boxing promotion, who also have their own subscription streaming network. While traditional Boxing is the obvious selling point here, I believe this “Ultimate Plan” will likely evolve over time to essentially be the premium option for DAZN, similar to Netflix's 4K streaming plan that will encompass everything the network has to offer including what should now be referred to as Premium Live Events (PLE) as compared to pay-per-view. 

Question number two that needs to be asked is having seen that the pay-per-view model was not a successful strategy and has not been one for some time regardless of network/platform, will DAZN hold firm and stick with this subscription approach even if they face pressure from promoters and perhaps fighters? This is a difficult question because again, I'm viewing things from the outside as a journalist and not a network executive.  I will say, however, is I do not believe for one second and would testify in court under oath that this “Ultimate Plan” would have been introduced had pay-per-view whether it be Boxing traditional or Bareknuckle, MMA, or Kickboxing were overwhelmingly successful in drawing millions of buys per event regardless of region and price points, which here in America, I've often compared to a compulsive eater in terms of being out of control and not knowing when enough is enough. 

What I will say in viewing things with an industry wide perspective, promoters and there are many of them worldwide, should understand that things need to change with clear evidence that pay-per-view has not worked for many years with the rare exception of a single fight or event that will draw a significantly high paid audience than is typically the norm. Those rare exceptions, however, are often spaced out by years and thus while they may have been successful individually, do not serve as an accurate indicator of the viability of a model, especially one that has only increased in price and does not hold much value for consumers, this holds especially true when one considers that the biggest event in the sport of Boxing in 2025, the Undisputed Super-Middleweight world championship clash between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Terence Crawford, a highly anticipated encounter that in some ways brought back memories for yours truly of major fights in the 1980’s and 1990’s in terms of anticipation, would have been a guarantee for pay-per-view in previous eras, but did not air on pay-per-view, but instead aired on Netflix, who over the last year, has entered the sport and seems primarily focused on securing those type of “Pay-Per-View Quality” events for their subscribers. In terms of viewership, the Alvarez-Crawford event drew over thirty-six million live viewers including here in the United States as well as globally. A figure that has increased over time with on demand viewing. Numbers one would never see with a pay-per-view model, even when it was considered viable and consumer-friendly. This only reinforced the viability of a subscription-based approach at reasonable prices rather than using an outdated model that consumers continue to reject.

If one is looking for further evidence, they need look no further than the recently announced deal between the UFC MMA promotion and Paramount in a $7.7 billion broadcast deal that will see the promotion’s scheduled events move from ESPN to Paramount+. A key part of that deal is the promotion, who had been one of the few content providers keeping pay-per-view afloat, will be moving those events to be included with a Paramount+ subscription. No doubt in response to both its own declining numbers for pay-per-view events, which until January 2026, continue to be sold through ESPN Unlimited, but also the success of WWE, who over a decade ago as of this writing went with a digital subscription streaming network strategy that moved it away from pay-per-view. Now under the same corporate banner as the UFC, TKO Group Holdings, which also has its own digital subscription streaming network that houses the full UFC library as well as content throughout combat sports, UFC Fight Pass, WWE has moved away from its network being a direct to consumer product, which in addition to its PLE schedule, includes its vast library of previous events and additional programming, and towards a licensing strategy, which has seen its network first become available on Peacock, but most recently moving to ESPN Unlimited here in the United States and Netflix internationally. Furthermore, Paramount+ will also be home to TKO’s upcoming Boxing promotion Zuffa Boxing, which is slated to begin in 2026, with all events being included with a Paramount+ subscription.

When one takes all of that into account, it should not be difficult for a Boxing promoter or network like DAZN to see and comprehend that pay-per-view is not a winning strategy in 2025 and beyond. This is also underscored by the fact that InDemand previously known for many years as Viewer's Choice prior to 2000, the leading pay-per-view distributor across cable in North America will be ceasing operations at the end of this year after over forty years in service, while its streaming platform PPV.com, will continue to exist for a time. How long is debatable given both the decline of the model as a whole, but also events that would normally be on pay-per-view now generally being aimed for subscription-based streaming primarily because that is the preferred choice of consumers.

As for fighters, it is understandable that fighters will want to make the most money for their efforts, as they should because ultimately, it is fighters who are risking their lives each and every time they compete. While understandable, the pay-per-view model even in a predominantly streaming era has relied on a revenue split structure, often cable/satellite providers, pay-per-view distributors, now streaming platforms, the promoter, network, and finally the fighters as the last entity to profit from such a split and often, the lesser of whatever revenue is generated. When one considers that a significant portion of cards have been taking place either in the Middle East or elsewhere outside of the United States, where time differences can also negatively affect viewership, in addition to the price points for pay-per-view more often than not alienating consumers, one should wonder just how much revenue fighters receive from pay-per-view particularly as buys have continued to decline. Part of the issue is fighters have been preconditioned in a sense to expect that pay-per-view is the only way to make additional money beyond their purse for a given fight.

This is one reason why this observer has strongly advocated for advertising, and sponsorships to become part of the strategy in Boxing. Not only have other sports used those sources of revenue to great success in addition to respective broadcast agreements for various sports leagues, but it also allows those athletes to gain additional revenues beyond their contracts by endorsement deals. All while making the sports in question more accessible and within consumer reach. Boxing is and has been long overdue to adopt a similar approach, which would be more beneficial for fighters in the long-term as well as the sport as a whole than pay-per-view has proven to be. It's a matter of getting promoters, some of whom were saying the pay-per-view model needed to be put out of its misery upon DAZN’s entry into Boxing, but in recent years have backtracked, notably Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, to come to that realization that there are other avenues to gain revenue, that pay-per-view has proven to hurt the sport more than help it and they are only shooting themselves in the foot by not adapting.

Poll Conducted On X (Seen Above) Asking DAZN Subscribers If They Intend To Upgrade To Ultimate Plan Credit: Beau Denison 

Finally, the last question that should be asked here is whether or not this “Ultimate Plan” or tier will be able to not only maintain DAZN’s existing subscribers, but also grow it and potentially win back some subscribers who felt lied to when they went into pay-per-view rather than being the alternative it promised to be? It will likely come down to what fights and other content is offered on this “Ultimate Plan” that will determine whether it will be successful. While it is understandable to see incremental price increases over time, what should be a priority is to ensure the subscription plan remains affordable. This in addition to a bit of increased competition from networks that are in the general entertainment genre in the streaming space should keep DAZN on their toes along with the knowledge that folks can be fickle and as my late father instilled in me as a child, you are only as good as your word. Even during a period where there aren't as many networks involved in Boxing including at least for the time being the proclaimed “Total Sports Network” ESPN, and promoters like Bob Arum’s Top Rank Inc. continue to look for new broadcast deals, DAZN will have to prove both to its current subscriber base as well as any potential new or returning customers that this is the approach from here on while still making some cards available as standalone pay-per-view offerings for those who may be reluctant to upgrade knowing the past history of broken promises and lack of accountability of promoters who could have prevented the move to dip into pay-per-view to begin with. At some point the line of “Well, The Market Changed.” does not hold water and is merely an excuse. For all the good DAZN has done for Boxing over the last seven years, they should look at the list of all the networks that were involved in Boxing, in some cases for decades, both here in the United States and internationally that are no longer in the sport. Unfortunately, it is a long list, and while Boxing’s detractors will claim it's because the sport is dying, it is more a case of bad business decisions, which often included pay-per-view as the culprit that led to those networks exiting the sport. 

As one who does not see as many options to watch the sport I have loved my whole life and have been involved in for most of it, I sincerely hope DAZN will not join that long list. To think, however, that this new “Ultimate Plan” is a cure all for a sport that desperately needs to embrace not only subscription-based streaming, but also methods of revenue generation that will help grow Boxing  by making it more accessible for consumers, may be wishful thinking, but hopefully it is a step in the right direction that others outside of DAZN who still have a pay-per-view mentality will take notice.

“And That's The Boxing Truth.”

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TV’s, availability around the world, to subscribe and learn more about DAZN’ Ultimate subscription plan please visit: www.DAZN.com. 

Photo Courtesy of: DAZN Used with permission.

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Parker And Wardley Emerge In High Stakes Pay-Per-View Showdown

Originally, this column was intended and scheduled to preview two separate pay-per-view main events scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 25th. As some Boxing fans know, what was intended has obviously had to change due to the cancellation of the scheduled WBC World Jr. Middleweight championship bout between champion Sebastian Fundora and former World Welterweight champion Keith Thurman, which was due to headline a pay-per-view card promoted by the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) group of promoters and streamed through digital streaming entertainment and subscription platform Prime Video, being cancelled due to a hand contusion suffered by Fundora while in training for the bout. While as of this writing, the plan appears for that bout to be rescheduled as soon as possible, there remains one pay-per-view main event to take place on October 25th that will now be the sole subject of this writing, which could and should have ramifications the the Heavyweight division moving into 2026.

This observer is referring to the bout between former WBO World Heavyweight champion Joseph Parker and the undefeated Fabio Wardley in a scheduled twelve round fight that will headline a pay-per-view card at the O2 Arena in London, England and can be seen worldwide on DAZN Pay-Per-View. What makes this encounter interesting beyond it being a battle between two of the top Heavyweights in the division, which alone often is enough to draw interest is this fight presents a rarity as well that primarily due to the politics that be in the sport of Boxing and multiple sanctioning organizations, you rarely see. Two fighters, each with a number one mandatory ranking with an interim championship designation, putting their respective standings on the line. In this case in order to attempt to secure a fight with the undefeated two-time Undisputed World Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Parker, who has been at or near the top of the Heavyweight division for most of the last decade is a one time WBO World Heavyweight champion, and after some ups and downs over the years, has worked his way back to the number one contender position in the same organization. A testament to perseverance that cannot be dismissed. Although seemingly on a career high minus the ultimate goal of regaining a world title, Parker, who has had to contend with his fair share of power punching sharks in the waters of the Heavyweight division will be tasked with facing one more in his hopes to secure another world title opportunity in the form of unbeaten “Knockout Artist” Fabio Wardley.

Wardley, who will come into this fight with a near 95% career knockout percentage, will enter as the WBA’s top contender. With a record of 19-0-1, with 18 Knockouts, few have been able to withstand the punching power Wardley has in either hand. This presents the classic scenario of a fighter noted for his ability to end fights quickly, going against a more seasoned and more experienced opponent at this level of competition.

It is not a scenario that the former world champion Parker, who will enter the bout with a record of 36-3, with 24 Knockouts, is unfamiliar. Some may recall his fights against Anthony Joshua, Joe Joyce, and Zhilei Zhang, three noted “Knockout Artists,” in which Parker suffered two losses out of those three fights. What is revealing, however, is Parker has only been stopped once in his three defeats and that was at the hands of Joe Joyce in September 2022. Parker was competitive in all three of his losses and was ahead on all three scorecards when Joyce was able to catch up to him in the eleventh round of that fight.

In thinking of how this fight might be fought from Parker’s perspective, I thought of two fights that might be similar, that he was successful and dominant in winning. Two opponents that stylistically are similar to Wardley in being “Knockout Artists” that come forward and can knock an opponent out with either hand. Yours truly is referring to his bouts with the aforementioned Zhilei Zhang and before that encounter, his bout against former WBC Heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder. Two fights that took place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2023 and 2024 respectfully.

In both fights, Parker used effective lateral movement, footwork, and timing to consistently beat both fights to the punch, often by landing variations of two, three, and four punch combinations and then using his movement to evade before either fighter could return offense consistently. Two performances by Parker, who was viewed as an underdog going into both fights that frankly should be viewed as a masterclass in effective execution by a boxer/puncher. It is an approach that Parker must implement once again in this fight.

Much like Wilder and Zhang, Fabio Wardley is not known for his quickness, but has shown more than once thus far in his career that he can end a fight with one punch if given an opening. One need look no further than Wardley’s last fight in June of this year against previously unbeaten contender Justis Huni. A fight held in rainy conditions in Portman Road Football Ground in Ipswich, England, that was dominated by Huni from the outset, frequently out throwing and outlanding Wardley in seemingly every round and often landing in combination. Huni had particular success in landing flush right hands on Wardley, which is also coincidentally one of Parker's best offensive weapons.

The accumulation of punishment along with the fact that Huni had stepped in and took the fight on short notice along with the bout being held outdoors in rainy conditions seemed to have Wardley at times seemingly on the verge of being stopped due primarily to fatigue. Just as it appeared Huni was about to make a significant shake up in the Heavyweight division, the two fighters exchanged punches midway through the tenth round. Seemingly out of nowhere, Wardley connected with an overhand right that turned certain defeat as he had lost the fight on the scorecards by that point in the bout, into a thrilling come from behind knockout victory.

As great as that knockout was and as accurate a demonstration of the power Wardley has that one can find, if one is objective they would say that Justis Huni put a significant scare into both Wardley and his promoter the Hall of Famer Frank Warren, who is also the promoter of this bout with Parker. To expand a bit further, if one were honest they would say that even though Huni up to the point where he got caught put in a career high performance in that fight, he has limited experience and Joseph Parker is both more experienced, particularly at this level of competition at or near the top of the sport, and is also lighter on his feet than Huni.

The element of danger, however, is very real and Parker must keep in mind here that he can be winning every second of every round and one lapse in focus, leaving even the slightest opening, can end up costing him the fight. Though the circumstances are/were different, Parker found himself in a similar situation as Huni when he fought Joe Joyce in September 2022 in that like Wardley, Joyce, at the time was an unbeaten “Knockout Artist” that Parker hit repeatedly throughout that fight with the type of flush right hands that would end the night for most fighters, let alone Heavyweights and like Huni, Parker seemed to have the fight well under control and winning on points when Joyce was able to catch him and knock him out. A possibility certainly exists here that a similar scenario could happen where by all accounts and without a question of doubt, Parker could find himself in control and winning every aspect of the combat. Parker knows what happened to him against Joyce and he needs to be aware not to get overly aggressive where he might be vulnerable again to being caught. Even if a scenario presents itself where he might be able to score a knockdown, he must be tactical at all times and until the final bell or a potential stoppage, approach Wardley with caution.

The approach for Fabio Wardley is both simple and complex. He needs to try and cut the ring off from Parker and try to limit his ability to move and use angles, but must also pace himself in doing so. A problem that fighters, as I have often said over the last thirty years I have covered Boxing and by extension other combat sports, that are known for their punching power is they can fall into a false sense of security in thinking that their power will be enough to get the job done every time they enter the ring and as a result, neglect developing other facets of their game in terms of tactics, strategy, the ability to pace themselves, and develop an overall well-rounded skillset, which more often than not tends to have negative effects long-term on their careers. Wardley did succeed in saving himself from defeat in his last fight, but he may not be as fortunate if he finds himself in a similar hole on the scorecards in this fight.

Whether or not the winner of this fight gets a title shot against Oleksandr Usyk, or due to the unique circumstances of this encounter, ends up potentially emerging as a unified world champion depending on what Usyk decides to do, remains to be seen. These are the types of fights, however, that I tend to look forward to more than most not only from a stylistic standpoint, but when you also throw into the equation that anything can happen, which is especially true when it comes to Heavyweights, it sparks interest. We will see if it's Parker or Wardley that comes out on top. 

“And That's The Boxing Truth.”

Parker vs. Wardley takes place on Saturday, October 25th at the O2 Arena in London, England. The fight as well as it's undercard can be seen worldwide on DAZN Pay-Per-View at 1:30PM ET/10:30AM PT for $59.99. (*North American times and pricing only.*)

(*Card and start times Subject to Change.*)

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, availability around the world, local start times and pricing in your area, to subscribe and order this pay-per-view event please visit: www.DAZN.com. 

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Juarez Retains Women's WBC World Flyweight Championship With Decision Over Nery Plata

Credit: Harry Aaron/Most Valuable Promotions 

Press Release: October 19, 2025 By Most Valuable Promotions - SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TX – October 18, 2025 – In a thrilling and tightly contested ten-round world championship bout, Mexico’s WBC light flyweight world champion Lourdes “La Pequeña Lulu” Juarez (39-4, 5 KOs) successfully retained her title, earning a majority decision victory over MVP’s Yesica Nery Plata (30-3, 3 KOs)—the division’s #1 WBA contender and former unified champion—at Most Valuable Prospects 16 Championship Double Header from the South Padre Island Convention Center in Texas, streamed globally on DAZN. From the opening bell, the action was razor-close, with both champions trading sharp, clean combinations in a technical chess match. Juarez was briefly shoved in round seven but remained composed, matching Plata’s precision and pace through every exchange. After ten high-level rounds, the judges scored the bout 95-95, 96-94x2 in favor of Juarez, who retained her WBC light flyweight world title. Speaking with Sibley Scoles post-fight, Juarez thanked her supporters and praised Plata’s strength and performance in what was one of the night’s most competitive showdowns.

 

In the co-main event, Brownsville, Texas native Omar “El Relámpago” Juarez (20-2, 7 KOs) showcased his superior skill and ring IQ against Caguas, Puerto Rico’s Omar “The New Era” Rosario (14-3, 4 KOs) in a 10-round super lightweight clash at 140 lbs. The opening rounds were competitive, with both men trading crisp combinations, but Juarez quickly established himself as the sharper, more composed fighter. As the bout wore on, Juarez’s precision and timing broke down Rosario’s defense, and a late point deduction against Rosario further cemented Juarez’s control. After ten rounds, the judges unanimously scored it for Juarez (99-89x2, 97-91), marking a dominant and decisive victory.

On the main card, MVP’s Australian unified world champion Desley “Destroyer” Robinson (11-3, 4 KOs) lived up to her nickname, obliterating South Carolina’s Logan Holler (11-4-1, 4 KOs) to successfully defend her unified IBF and WBO middleweight world titles. Making her promotional debut with MVP, Robinson wasted no time asserting her dominance—unleashing a barrage of heavy combinations in the second round that shattered Holler’s defense and left her unable to continue. The referee stopped the contest at 1:08 of the 2nd round, declaring Robinson the winner by TKO and still the unified IBF and WBO middleweight world champion. The clinical display from the reigning champion earned Robinson the MVP Performance of the Night bonus presented by Caribe Royale.

Opening the main card, Boxlab Promotions’ rising 21-year-old Cuban standout Ronny Alvarez (5-0, 4 KOs) faced 26-year-old San Antonio prospect Bruno Pola (10-4-1, 9 KOs). Pola found early success with powerful combinations, but Alvarez adjusted and began to take control as the fight progressed, leveraging his explosive power to break down Pola. The referee stopped the contest at 2:28 in the fifth round, awarding Alvarez the victory by TKO. 

In a contentious preliminary card headliner, MVP and Dallas, Texas’s Shurretta “Chiccn” Metcalf (15-5-1, 2 KOs) battled MVP’s Puerto Rican sensation Krystal Rosado (7-1, 2 KOs) in an 8-round bout at 118lbs. The former world champion Metcalf leveraged her longer reach to keep Rosado at distance in the early rounds, outlanding Rosado in power punches, while Rosado impressed with sharp, clean counters. After eight hard-fought rounds, the judges rendered a unanimous decision in favor of Metcalf (77-75, 78-74x2). 

Also on the preliminary card, MVP’s three-time U.S. National Champion and high-fashion model Alex “Chop Chop” Chaparro (6-0, 6 KOs) impressed once again, stopping Mexico’s David “El Verdugo” Gutierrez (4-1, 2 KOs) by TKO. Chaparro dictated the pace from the opening bell against the unorthodox Gutierrez, brushing off an illegal shot to the back of the head in round two before nearly scoring a knockout in the fifth. He closed the fight in emphatic fashion, overwhelming Gutierrez with a brutal combination, finishing with a ferocious uppercut at 0:25 of round six that sent Gutierrez to the mat for good. In an eight-round super lightweight showdown, Houston’s Miranda “La Alacrana” Reyes (8-3-1, 3 KOs) delivered a statement win over MVP’s Yolanda Vega (10-2, 1 KO). Reyes established her dominance with crisp combinations to outperform Vega, who suffered a dislocated shoulder early in the bout, and earn a unanimous decision win (79-73, 80-72x2).

In one of the night’s most explosive bouts, Boxlab Promotions’ and Brownsville, Texas’s undefeated Sebastian Juarez (10-0, 8 KOs) put on a blistering display against Ft. Worth, Texas’s Demarcus Layton (10-8-1, 7 KOs). Despite an early knockdown from Layton and two point deductions for holding, Juarez rebounded to knock down Layton twice with devastating power before the referee halted the action at 2:59 of the first round, awarding Juarez the TKO win. Also on the preliminary card, Boxlab Promotions’ 21-year-old Cuban prospect Pedro Veitia (6-0-1, 6 KOs) and 19-year-old Mexican prospect Xavier Zuniga (4-0-1, 3 KOs) battled through six competitive rounds in a 154 lbs super welterweight bout, ending in a hard-fought split draw (60-54, 58-56, 57-57). Kicking off the night, Mission, Texas’s Edgar “Rocky” Rosales (6-0, 2 KOs) extended his undefeated streak with an impressive unanimous decision win (40-36, 39-37x2) over Harlingen, Texas’s Reggie Ray Martinez (6-1-1, 1 KO) in a 4-round lightweight bout at 135 lbs. 

Most Valuable Prospects 16 is promoted by MVP and distributed globally by DAZN. The 16th event in the series, in partnership with Boxlab Promotions, continued the commitment from MVP co-founders Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian to highlight the world’s best up-and-coming boxing talent. CELSIUS Live Fit Essential Energy, maker of lifestyle energy drinks, is the exclusive energy drink sponsor of MVP and the Most Valuable Prospects series. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, TORKLAW, Caribe Royale Resort, and Event Tickets Center also joined on to sponsor Most Valuable Prospects 16.

For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions and @DAZNBoxing or on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions and @DAZNBoxing.

About MVP

MVP was founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian in 2021. With the mission to provide more creative control to fighters, MVP works to identify, grow, and maximize returns for its own events and talent partners. One year into its inception, MVP was nominated as one of the prestigious Sports Breakthroughs of the Year in 2022 by Sports Business Journal. MVP has produced Jake Paul’s last six global pay-per-view events, including the recent Paul vs. Perry match. The promotion company also signed one of the most decorated Hispanic athletes of all time, Amanda Serrano, in its first year. Serrano and MVP made history in April of 2022 when Serrano went head-to-head with Katie Taylor, marking the first female fight to headline at Madison Square Garden, earning a nomination for Event of the Year by Sports Business Journal. MVP made history again in November 2024 with Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 2, the first-ever live professional sports event on Netflix. MVP’s Paul vs. Tyson streamed live globally on Netflix and shattered records, becoming the most-streamed sporting event ever with 108 million live viewers globally. Co-founder Nakisa Bidarian was an executive producer of Paul vs. Tyson and the historic Triller Presents Mike Tyson v. Roy Jones Jr., which was the 8th most bought pay-per-view event in history.

About DAZN

DAZN is the home of European football, women’s football, boxing and MMA, and the NFL (excl. USA). We are building the ultimate sports entertainment platform, based on premium sports rights, world-leading tech, and multi-platform distribution. DAZN believes that fans from across the globe should be able to watch, read, bet, play, share, socialise, buy tickets and merchandise, all in one place, with one account, one wallet, and on one app.

For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit dazngroup.com. 

Material Courtesy of: Most Valuable Promotions/ Photo Courtesy of: Harry Aaron/Most Valuable Promotions Used with permission 

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